You Can Do It!

Fort 4 Fitness Challenge

By
Mary Collins

November 18, 2010Updated Nov 18, 2010 at 5:14 PM EDT

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Indiana's NewsCenter) --- In six months thousands will pack the streets of downtown Fort Wayne for the second annual Fort 4 Fitness Half-Marathon / 4- Mile Walk-Run and this year promises to be bigger and better.

The primary mission of the Fort-4-Fitness Festival is to promote healthy living in our community. Arguably the people in our community who would benefit the most from training for a 13.1 run are the same ones who usually feel that they could NEVER do it.<>br>

Fort-4-Fitness and Indiana's NewsCenter are once again teaming up to PROVE that ANYONE can do it! Mary Collins, morning news anchor and Dr. Jamey Gordon, a local physical therapist and running expert, will guide 30-40 participants through gradual training, education, and encouragement to finish the 13.1 mile half marathon on September 26, 2009.

We are looking for those who have never run and/or have excuses and barriers that you feel make you the least likely to succeed. Last year we helped 15 individuals train and prepare for the half-marathon. Among these participants, one was a 67 year old retiree with sore knees; another was a mid 50's former heart bypass patient; others were working mom's, busy dad's, some who were overweight, some who were under-healthy, and some who simply wanted to accomplish a life-altering goal.

There is no need to have run even one step before the first day of training. Each Challenger will receive a training program, free consultation with Dr. Gordon regarding injuries and individual issues, entry into the Fort-4-Fitness Half-Marathon in September, twice weekly group training sessions, and plenty of health education, encouragement, and camaraderie.

Here's How to Apply: Enter your information below, click "Submit Application," and wait to hear from Mary and Dr. Gordon. The 2009 Challenge Group will be chosen by March 14, 2009 and will begin training immediately.

Remember: The only goal that someone starts at the top is digging a hole. Take this first step!